The Future of Franchising with Franzy - With Alex Smereczniak Artwork

The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

Internationally recognized speaker, personal business coach and Amazon best-selling franchise author Dr. John Hayes offers an honest look at everything involved in researching, evaluating and purchasing a franchise business. On this podcast, Dr. John P Hayes interviews Franchisors, Franchisees, and has solo episodes giving valuable advice in the Franchise Industry. Since 1979, John Hayes has worked in the franchise community as a consultant, franchisee and franchisor. He’s one of an elite group worldwide that has actually owned and operated franchises, including serving as CEO of a major American franchisor company, and advised franchisors and franchisees. He is the author of several franchise-related books and countless articles that have appeared in media worldwide. Dr. Hayes has served for many years as an advisor to franchisors, franchisees and small business owners internationally. His areas of expertise include management development, marketing, customer service, training and strategic planning. He is the author or co-author of 18 non-fiction books including Franchising: The Inside Story, Start Small, Finish Big, You Can’t Teach A Kid To Ride A Bike At A Seminar, and most recently Buy “Hot” Franchises Without Getting Burned. Keywords: franchise tax board , chick fil a franchise , the franchise guy , best franchise to own , franchise business , buying a franchise , franchise opportunities , opening a franchise , owning a franchise

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The Franchise Hot Seat Podcast with Dr. John P. Hayes - Director, Titus Center for Franchising

The Future of Franchising with Franzy - With Alex Smereczniak

November 24, 2025 • Dr. John P Hayes • Season 1 • Episode 73

DESCRIPTION:

John Hayes interviews Alex Smereczniak, the co-founder and CEO of Franzy, in the

Franchise Hot Seat Podcast. Alex presents Franzy as a comprehensive platform for

potential franchisees, likening it to 'Zillow for franchising.' The platform aggregates

vital data such as financials, consumer sentiments, and franchisee feedback. The

interview explores Alex's professional journey, from transforming a laundry service

into a franchise model to establishing Franzy. The conversation also discusses the

transition from being a franchisor to a franchise supplier, the integral role of AI in

Franzy, and the critical importance of comprehensive franchisee profiling for

successful matches. The podcast also covers various industry insights, including the

need for a systematic approach, the potential influence of AI on the job market, and

the future of franchising in light of emerging technologies. The episode underscores

the importance of informed decision-making in franchising and the innovative ways

Franzy is striving to transform this process.

- With Alex Smereczniak.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

00:16 What is Franzi?

01:02 How did you get into franchising?

03:00 What problem does Franzi solve?

06:26 What makes Franzi's approach unique?

12:04 How does Franzi use AI and data?

16:00 How does Franzi monetize ethically?

22:52 Identifying good vs. bad franchise opportunities?

31:34 What is AI's role in franchising?

37:03 How to future-proof a franchise investment?

LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://franchisehotseats.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnhayes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjohnhayes

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Howtobuyafranchise

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayesjph/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnphayesfranchise

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DrJohnHayes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franchisehotseatpodcast